Snow – Kids Discover Nature

13 Cool Things to Do with Snow

by Jodi Valenta

Mid-winter presents challenges when you are a parent with the goal of spending time with your kids outside everyday. Luckily, with all the snow also comes a host of new opportunities for fun. It is easy to find creative ways to play even with piles of snow in your yard — they can become an awesome new snow slide.

Following is a list of some creative ways to have fun in the snow. They are perfect activities for when kids are rammy and need a way to blow of steam and rid them of the the indoor itchies (as I like to call them).

1. Making snow angels is always a big hit!
2. Dig tunnels into the snow and build a snow city.
3. Create a personal snow mountain and play “man/woman on the mountain.”
4. Similarly, use the snow mountain to make a slide or “ski” run.
5. Dig holes in the snow and observe the blue light and look for the snow fairies that created it.
6. Create a snow fort by piling snowballs to form a wall.
7. Get out the buckets and shovels from summer and play with the snow as if it is sand.
8. Build a snowman, of course!
9. It doesn’t just have to be snowmen, how about snow creatures like a dog or deer?
10. Play snow tug-of-war — the losing team will crash into a soft pile of snow!
11. Build an igloo or snow den and decorate it with leaves and branches.
12. Jump from snow covered rocks or even the edge of a terrace or deck into soft piles of snow. (Safety note: check to make sure there isn’t a hard surface or sharp edge under the snow into which children are jumping).
13. Make giant snowballs. Hold a contest for characteristics such as the largest, smallest, roundest and bumpiest.

What are your family’s favorites things to do with snow?

Outdoor Activities for Kids

When Life Gives You Snow, Make Snow Forts

by Editorial Staff

Don’t let the kids use the excuse that there is too much snow outside to go out and play. It is sometimes tough to navigate the yard when the snow is up to their waists, but excuses are not acceptable! It’s important that kids get outside, especially when they are cooped up inside due to freezing temperatures. Kids need vitamin D from the sun, fresh air and exercise even during the winter months when they naturally become sedentary.

If your kids are complaining about going outside, don’t let them get away with it. Boot them out the door by suggesting they make snow forts. The plowed or shoveled snow in the driveway offers the perfect place to build unique creations, whether they simply dig holes or make walls. After they get started, they’ll most likely spend a lot of time doing it. All that digging and building is terrific exercise and a great way to put their mind to work. The only supplies needed are shovels and snow! The bin you use for recyclables is great for making bricks if they want to get fancy.

Here are a few fantastic examples of snow forts:

Ultimate snow fort by Dale DeVries

Snow Fort by Emily Carlin

If they really get into it, they can even add lights. What a fun way to sit outside and look at stars on a clear winter’s night.

snow fort by Andrew Luman

13 Cool Things to Do with Snow

When Life Gives You Snow, Make Snow Forts

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